It is estimated that 70 percent of seniors age 65 and older will require some form of long term care services. If you are in that age bracket, or nearing it, you should start thinking about your options now. Researching Maine long term care will only put you at an advantage.

The fact is that the need for long term care “sneaks up” on most individuals and it is forced upon them before they develop a plan. At that point their options become limited and decisions become rushed and are not as well thought out as they would be in a low stress situation. In certain situations, family members are forced to make the decisions when the individual is not able to. With no plan in place, this becomes overwhelming for the family and it cannot be assured they will make the same choices the patient would have.

One decision you will need to make is if you will go into a facility such as a nursing home or receive home care. If you go with the home care path, will you remain in your own home or move in with a family member? Will the responsibilities of providing care fall on a loved one or will you hire someone from a home care agency?

Without planning, the funds may also not be there, whereas if they had thought about it previously they may have set aside some savings. Depending on the form of long term care it can get very expensive and Medicare and other health insurances do not cover many services. Chances are the cost of long term care will be more than your personal income. In Maine, the average daily nursing home rate ranges for $273.00 – $246.00 depending on if you have a private or semi-private room. The hourly rate for a home health aide averages $20.00. There are options out there but you will need time to research your options – which is why you should start planning now!

Start your research by contacting MAS Home Care.